YMCA Invites Public To Step Up To Fitness

By MEGAN HUSSEY Tribune correspondent

Published: Sep 22, 2007

Pasco YMCAs will be "on the move" today and next week, joining a nationwide effort to promote healthier living.

"This week YMCA of the Suncoast encouraged members of Hernando, Pasco, and Pinellas counties to join YMCAs nationwide in taking 'small steps' to promote active living and healthy eating," the agency said in a statement. "Community members are invited during the week of Sept. 22-29 to come to any YMCA of the Suncoast Branch to begin to track their steps from a variety of activities taken either at home, at the YMCA or elsewhere during the week."

The goal for America On the Move Week at the YMCA, "is to reach 10 billion steps across the country during this designated week." This week is hosted in conjunction with America On the Move, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans.

YMCA bureaus in Trinity and New Port Richey are opening their doors to the public as part of the America on the Move effort.

"People should understand that a little change can make a difference, physically, mentally and spiritually," said Linda Hammer, wellness director of the James P. Gills YMCA in Trinity.

The Trinity facility will kick off America On the Move Week with its annual Kids Fishing Festival today at Sims Park.

"We chose this as a kickoff because it's an active event for families and kids," Hammer said.

Although children register in advance to participate in the fishing festival (receiving a rod, reel, lunch and a T-shirt for their efforts), all who attend will be invited to take 2,000 steps at the event; those who succeed will receive a $50 program credit at the James P. Gills YMCA.

Throughout the week that follows, the Trinity location will invite the public to fitness-oriented activities. Monday, a marathon cycling class will be offered 10 a.m. to noon; Tuesday, health-oriented vendors will appear at the YMCA; Wednesday, a 26-lap walk for active adults will run 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Thursday, a master class in aerobics is scheduled for 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. All events are free and open to non-YMCA members, though registration is requested for the cycling class.

"We'll also have a Member Appreciation Day all day Friday," Hammer said. "We'll have food and activities."

At the New Port Richey SunTrust YMCA, a free Family Walk will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

"The public is invited to come and meet other people interested in walking," said Bernadette O'Keefe, executive director of the New Port Richey SunTrust YMCA.

Another public fitness event will be the Healthy Potluck Lunch and Recipe Exchange, to be offered 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the New Port Richey SunTrust YMCA.

"We're just trying to get people on the move," said O'Keefe. "The more steps they move, the more it leads to cardiovascular, respiratory, and overall health."

America On the Move Week at the YMCA, according to a statement, is part of the national initiative YMCA Activate America. This initiative is devoted to "rallying YMCAs across the country to further enhance their service and support to kids, adults, and families who want a healthier lifestyle, but struggle to do so. As a part of YMCA Activate America, YMCAs also are deepening their commitment to community efforts to promote healthy living and intensifying their collaboration with other community partners to magnify their impact."

According to Scott Goyer, president and chief executive officer of YMCA of the Suncoast, projects such as this one are greatly needed.

"With 60 million adults - or 30 percent of the U.S. adult population - and 9 million children obese or overweight, increased physical activity for our children and families is of critical importance to our community," he said in a statement. "Research from organizations such as America On the Move Foundation has shown that small, consistent changes to daily physical activity and eating patterns can add up over time to big rewards. Through this effort, we hope to inspire and encourage individuals to see how easy small changes can be."

O'Keefe agrees.

"Whether someone trades out one fast-food meal for a healthy meal, or gets some extra movement," she said, "one change can lead to a healthier lifestyle."

AMERICA ON THE MOVE

SOME BACKGROUND: YMCA of the Suncoast, with locations in Pasco, Hernando and Pinellas counties, is an active participant in America On the Move, a nationwide effort to promote healthier lifestyles through exercise and nutrition.

In Pasco County, the James P. Gills Family Branch, 8411 Photonics Drive in New Port Richey, and New Port Richey SunTrust YMCA, 6130 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey, are participating in America On the Move.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: America On the Move is an effort devoted to improving people's lives and health, one step at a time.

"Research by America On the Move Foundation shows that achieving energy balance is an effective approach to healthy weight management. Adding just 2,000 extra steps and eating 100 fewer calories each day are enough to help most Americans prevent the current average annual weight gain of 1 to 2 pounds," the agency said in a statement.

A LITTLE HISTORY: The YMCA of the Suncoast, a nonprofit, charitable organization, serves more than 78,000 members and program participants through 10 branches in Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties.

WHAT'S NEXT?: America on the Move Week will be celebrated today through Sept. 29 at the YMCA of the Suncoast.

GET INVOLVED: For information, call New Port Richey SunTrust YMCA at (727) 844-0332, James P. Gills YMCA at (727) 375-9622, or visit www.ymcasuncoast.orgor call (727) 467-9622.